ABOUT 100 generous motorbike enthusiasts took to the streets to raise critical funds for the North’s drought-affected farmers at the weekend.
The charity Ride 4 Farmers event raised over $3500 for Buy a Bale, with Townsville bikers joining with local business to support the ride.
The riders took off from Rising Sun Honda, stopped at the Dalrymple Hotel, rode to Pallarenda and then on to Melville’s Farm who waived venue hire charges for a community event.
Event organiser and Rising Sun Honda customer service manager Emma Pesl said she was overwhelmed with the support shown for the event.
“The farmers are struggling and I wanted to get behind them and give back to the community,” Ms Pesl said.
“We get plenty of farmers come in to the shop and tell us how they are struggling, so that’s why I chose Buy a Bale and settled on Ride 4 Farmers.”
Ms Pesl said the from moment she announced the event the wider business community rallied behind her donating items for a raffle and food for a barbecue.
The Queensland Police Service got on board, providing an escort and green light corridor for the riders.
“It was just the best feeling to have 100 riders, everyone said that’s why the wanted to get behind it because it was such a good cause to support Aussie farmers dealing with the drought, to keep them in business and support their communities.”
Ty Melville, of Melville’s Farm, said about 150 people turned up in the afternoon to enjoy raffles, duck racing, mower racing, a petting zoo, jumping castle and tractor hay rides.
“With us being on the farm and in the industry we know how tough it is on the farm and what they are going through, so we wanted to do what we could to come on board and help the farmers.
“It was a really good afternoon for a really good cause.”
